Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt are the most common certification levels for Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma.
As you know, certifications represent roles in organizations: the Green Belt certification represents part-time Six Sigma project team members. However, the Black Belt represents a higher level for full-time Six Sigma project team leaders.
In this article, I will explain the two certification levels and help you differentiate Lean Six Sigma Green vs. Black Belt. I’ll also highlight an important reality about this certification and how to address the inconsistencies in today’s curriculum.
Which Lean Six Sigma Belt Should You Choose?
Find the exact certification level and provider matched to your experience, goals, and priorities.
You Must Know This
Lean Six Sigma certification is very particular; not all certifications are worth the same. We are not discussing this divergence in this blog, as we did in a dedicated one: Which Six Sigma Certification Is Most Recognized?
Who Is a Green Belt Level for
Six Sigma Green Belt certification is for:
Practically, they participate as team members in Six Sigma projects and can lead smaller projects with Black Belt support.
What Is a Black Belt Level for
Many enterprises have dedicated “Lean Six Sigma Black Belt” positions where you’ll lead, support, and coach Lean Six Sigma projects full-time.
Otherwise, others require it for more generic job positions such as:
Green vs. Black Belt Roles Side-by-side
| Factor | Green Belt | Black Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma Participation | Part-time | Full-time |
| Corporate Hierarchy | Senior Associate / Specialist Supervisor / Team Lead | Manager Senior Manager Director |
| Annual Salary* | Approximately $119,800 | Approximately $132,800 |
*Source: salary.com
Green vs. Black Belt Certifications Side-by-side
1. Prerequisites (Requirements)
| Certification Provider | Green Belt | Black Belt |
|---|---|---|
| American Society of Quality (ASQ) | 3 years of relevant experience | 3 years’ experience & 1 project or 2 projects (affidavits) |
| Management and Strategy Institute (MSI) | No | No |
| RPM-Academy—Accredited by ILSSI* (GB; BB) | Access to an organization to run and submit a real improvement project | Access to an organization to run and submit a real improvement project |
| upGrad (KnowledgeHut)—Accredited by IASSC | No | No |
*Explore ILSSI-accredited providers in your region for local-language training, local-currency payments, and alternative pricing and delivery options. Note: Project submission is an RPM-specific requirement, not an ILSSI requirement.
2. How Long to Get It
| Certification Provider | Green Belt | Black Belt |
|---|---|---|
| American Society of Quality (ASQ): ASQ self-paced training + exam | 42 + 4.5 hours | 55 + 4.5 hours |
| Management and Strategy Institute (MSI)* | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| RPM-Academy—Accredited by ILSSI (GB; BB) | 44 + 2 hours | 60 + 3 hours |
| upGrad (KnowledgeHut)—Accredited by IASSC | 24 + 2 hours | 35 + 4 hours |
*MSI exam preparation comes through study material; thus, the time to achieve depends on your study pace.
Note:
Time to Get Certified has two Formats on WhichCert.com:
XX hours/weeks/months = Estimated total duration, excluding experience, projects, and prerequisite certifications.
XX + YY hours/weeks/months = XX hours/ of training/study + YY hours of exam time, excluding experience, projects, and prerequisite certifications.
3. Expiration Duration (Renewal Cycle)
| Certification Provider | Green Belt | Black Belt |
|---|---|---|
| American Society of Quality (ASQ) | Does not expire | Recertification every 3 years |
| Management and Strategy Institute (MSI) | Does not expire | Does not expire |
| RPM-Academy—Accredited by ILSSI (GB; BB) | Does not expire | Does not expire |
| upGrad (KnowledgeHut)—Accredited by IASSC | Recertification every 3 years | Recertification every 3 years |
4. Price
| Certification Provider | Green Belt | Black Belt |
|---|---|---|
| American Society of Quality (ASQ): ASQ self-paced training + exam | $824 + $469 | $924 + $568 |
| Management and Strategy Institute (MSI) | $299.95 | $399.95 |
| RPM-Academy—Accredited by ILSSI (GB; BB) | $125 | $150 |
| upGrad (KnowledgeHut)—Accredited by IASSC | $679 | $999 |
When Not to Pick the Green Belt
You shouldn’t pick the Green Belt certification and opt for the Black Belt if at least one of the following applies to you:
When Not to Pick the Black Belt
You shouldn’t pick the Black Belt certification and opt for the Green Belt if at least one of the following applies to you:
When You Should Not Pick Either
You shouldn’t pick any certification if at least one of the following applies to you: